PAUL O'CONNELL will play his first game of rugby since last October when he lines out for the Munster 'A' side in Limerick today, writes Conor George.

O'Connell, who last played in Munster's Heineken Cup loss to Racing Metro in Paris, broke down in Ireland's training camp last November and underwent surgery to correct a problematic bulging disc in his back at the turn of the year.

He has made a successful return to training with Munster and his club Young Munster in recent weeks, but today's game against the Leinster 'A' side is a huge step forward in his rehabilitation.

He has been named to start the game in the second-row and if he comes through will feature for the senior side in their Pro12 League game against Connacht at Musgrave Park on Saturday week.